entertainment
Your queue will double in length
By Nakeisha Campbell
•
Published Nov 24, 2023
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One of the best ways to pass the time (aside from learning TikTok dances, of course) is binge-watching TV shows. If we're not shamelessly watching The Office for the millionth time, then we're probably engrossed in addictive new shows like Severance or The Bear. But now, since we've had our fill of compelling American content, we're looking to spice up our queue with some international titles, whether it's a cooking show, a classic sitcom or a terrifying murder mystery.
Naturally, we ventured across the Atlantic to find some of the best British shows available to stream on Prime Video right now. Quite a few of these titles are available with the BritBox channel, which can be added to your regular subscription for $9 a month. The best part? There's a seven-day free trial included, so you can binge an entire series (or two) before committing.
Keep scrolling for 32 of the most binge-worthy British titles, from Luther to Downton Abbey.
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1. Luther
- Cast: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Steven Mackintosh, Indira Varma
- Number of seasons: 5
Prepare to see another side of Elba in this gripping psychological crime drama. The British actor plays Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, who works for the Serious Crime Unit in London. Although he's known for his dedication, Luther often gets consumed with his cases and becomes extremely obsessive, even to the point of violence. BTW, Elba's role earned him a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and four Emmy nominations.
2. Endeavour
- Cast: Shaun Evans, Roger Allam, Anton Lesser, James Bradshaw
- Number of seasons: 9
Love Sherlock Holmes? Then meet your new favorite detective, Endeavour Morse. Set during the '60s and '70s in Oxford, England, this Inspector Morse spin-off follows the famous detective as a rookie at the beginning of his career. This captivating series is sure to keep you guessing until the end.
3. Doctor Who
- Cast: William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Tom Baker
- Number of seasons: 27
Before Christopher Eccleston's popular revival in 2005, there was the classic Doctor Who, which first aired on BBC in 1963. The show centers on a rogue Time Lord who embarks on several adventures using a stolen time machine. Take a trip back to the beginnings of the famous franchise, where William Hartnell stars as the very first "Doctor."
4. Good Omens
- Cast: Michael Sheen, David Tennant
- Number of seasons: 2
It's no wonder this show is rated five stars on Prime Video. Based on Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel of the same name, this comedy series follows the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley, who team up to prevent the coming of the antichrist and protect the Earth from a huge disaster.
- Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter
- Number of seasons: 6
Set in the early 20th century, this period drama follows the Crawleys, an aristocratic family who lives in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey. As it follows their everyday lives, it also depicts the impact of major historical events, including World War I and the sinking of the Titanic. The critically acclaimed series received more than a dozen awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries.
- Cast: Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, James Corden, Ruth Jones
- Number of seasons: 4
Co-creator and star James Corden is simply a delight in this BBC sitcom, and so are his co-stars. The show centers on Gavin Shipman's relationship with Stacey Shipman, and as it progresses, their (very different) families are brought together. Meanwhile, Corden plays Gavin's best friend, Smithy, and Ruth Jones stars as Nessa Jenkins. Trust us when we say that you'll fall in love with these quirky, compelling characters.
- Cast: David Jason, Geoffrey Whitehead, Timothy Bentinck
- Number of seasons: 1
Critics may not have been impressed by this sitcom, but guys, it will seriously have you cackling non-stop. The Royal Bodyguard chronicles the adventures of Captain Guy Hubble, an ex-guardsman who becomes a Royal Bodyguard after saving the queen's life in an act of bravery (or so it appears).
- Cast: Mike Skinner, Abbie Eaton
- Number of seasons: 5
It's got British humor, adventure and every car buff's favorite, car races. Join hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May as they embark on global adventures and travel in gorgeous cars from around the world.
9. Grantchester
- Cast: James Norton, Robson Green, Morven Christie
- Number of seasons: 8
Based on James Runcie's The Grantchester Mysteries, Grantchester follows Anglican vicar Sidney Chambers, who forms and unlikely partnership with Detective Inspector Geordie Keating in order to solve a string of murders. Aside from Norton, Tom Brittney also appears as his character's successor, Will Davenport, after season four.
- Cast: Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha
- Number of seasons: 6
Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as Eddy Monsoon and Patsy Stone, two heavy-drinking women who are desperate to recapture their youth and better their social status. The sitcom also stars June Whitfield as Eddy's sarcastic mother, Jane Horrocks as the dim-witted assistant and Julia Sawalha as Eddy's cynical daughter.
11. Silent Witness
- Cast: Amanda Burton, John McGlynn, Clare Higgins, William Armstrong
- Number of seasons: 26
Fun fact: This addicting crime series first aired in 1996, and now, over 26 seasons later, it's considered the world’s longest-running crime drama ever. The show follows a team of forensic pathology experts as they investigate countless crimes, from murder to physical assault.
12. Poldark
- Cast: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed, Ruby Bentall
- Number of seasons: 5
When Ross Poldark returns home after fighting in the American Revolutionary War in 1783, he doesn't receive the best welcome. Ross finds that his house has been destroyed and that the love of his life is planning to marry his cousin. Still, he's determined to rebuild his life—and he just might get a second chance at love while he's at it.
13. Fleabag
- Cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott
- Number of seasons: 2
Inspired by Phoebe Waller-Bridge's 2013 one-woman play, this black comedy focuses on "Fleabag," a free-spirited young woman who struggles with anger and grief in modern-day London. The series earned Waller-Bridge six Emmy Awards and a British Academy Television Award for Best Female Comedy Performance.
14. Line of Duty
- Cast: Lennie James, Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Keeley Hawes
- Number of seasons: 5
When Steve Arnott, a firearms officer, refuses to cover up a shooting that leads to the death of a civilian, he gets transferred to Anti-Corruption Unit 12, where he works with Detective Constable Kate Fleming. It's only a matter of time before they discover that there are corrupt officers in their midst.
15. Coupling
- Cast: Jack Davenport, Gina Bellman, Sarah Alexander, Kate Isitt
- Number of seasons: 4
Friends meets Seinfeld in this funny British comedy, except it's a whole lot sexier. The series focuses on the romantic lives of six friends (three women and three men) in their early 30s, and there’s no shortage of embarrassing moments. Jack Davenport, Sarah Alexander and Gina Bellman star in this memorable comedy.
- Cast: Keeley Hawes, Milo Parker, Josh O'Connor
- Number of seasons: 4
The Durrells (also known as The Durrells in Corfu) is a comedy-drama based on author and naturalist Gerald Durrell's real-life experiences with his family on the Greek island of Corfu. After his father’s death, we follow his mother and the rest of the family as they struggle with financial issues and adapt to the island.
17. Black Adder
- Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McInnerny
- Number of seasons: 4
Brush up on some British history by following the exploits of Richard IV's second son, Edmund Blackadder, the Duke of Edinburgh. It’s worth noting that the show is often ranked among the best British sitcoms of all time. In fact, in 2000, the British Film Institute ranked the series 16th on its list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes.
18. You, Me & Them
- Cast: Anthony Head, Eve Myles, Nigel Betts
- Number of seasons: 2
Despite their 26-year age gap, Laren and Ed are head over heels for each other. But there's just one problem: Their families are not happy about it. To make matters worse, Ed's ex-wife, Lydia, re-enters his life and tries to stir up trouble. Can their romance withstand all the drama?
19. Little Britain
- Cast: David Walliams, Matt Lucas
- Number of seasons: 1
Think Saturday Night Live, but the British version. This sketch comedy series involves a number of quirky characters and funny parodies of well-known British figures. And if you’re confused about the title, Little Britain is actually a clever reference to the term “Little Englander,” which is typically used to describe those who are xenophobic or narrow-minded.
- Cast: James May
- Number of seasons: 2
TV personality James May pretty much sums up this show with his first line: “I can’t cook… Welcome to my cookery show.” In this funny series, May tries his hand at preparing a variety of dishes, from savory pasta to desserts. The end result isn’t always so great, but on the bright side, it’ll make you feel a little better about your own cooking fails.
- Cast: Thomas Kochs
- Number of seasons: 1
Welcome to Claridge's, the luxurious, five-star hotel located in Mayfair, London. In this documentary series, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of this fine establishment, which has been visited by royalty and many celebrities.
22. Unforgotten
- Cast: Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sinéad Keenan, Peter Egan
- Number of seasons: 5
Murder mystery lovers, this one’s for you. Unforgotten centers on Detective Chief Inspector Cassie Stuart and Sunny Khan, who work with their team of detectives to solve murders and missing persons cases. The series is not only packed with suspense, but it also has a brilliant cast.
- Cast: Ben Miller, Sarah Alexander, Alison Steadman, Geoffrey Whitehead
- Number of seasons: 2
Howard Steel and his fiancée, Mel, are preparing to tie the knot, but what unfolds in the week before their wedding is every engaged couple’s worst nightmare. Disaster seems to follow Howard everywhere he goes, from accidentally killing his in-laws' dog to losing the wedding ring.
24. London Irish
- Cast: Sinead Keenan, Kerr Logan, Peter Campion, Kat Reagan
- Number of seasons: 1
This sitcom follows Bronagh Lynch, Conor Lynch, Packy Kennedy and Niamh Rafferty, four close friends in their 20s, as they try to navigate London life. If you loved It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, then London Irish will be right up your alley.
- Cast: Tamsin Greig, Paul Ritter, Simon Bird
- Number of seasons: 6
Inspired by creator Robert Popper's secular Jewish background, Friday Night Dinner follows the Goodmans, a middle-class secular Jewish family, as they try to have their Sabbath dinners on Friday nights. Unfortunately, these dinners are far from smooth. (FYI, only the first four seasons are available on Prime, but you can see the remaining episodes on Channel4.)
- Cast: Matthew Fort, Oliver Peyton, Prue Leith, Andi Oliver
- Number of seasons: 18
Can you imagine cooking a special birthday meal for the queen? Well, that's exactly what the contestants competed for in season one of The Great British Menu. Satisfy your taste buds with this fun cooking show as top British chefs go head to head for a chance to cook one course of a four-course banquet.
27. The Inbetweeners
- Cast: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison
- Number of seasons: 3
If teen angst and coming-of-age stories are your cup of tea, then consider The Inbetweeners, which follows the life of Will McKenzie. After his parents’ divorce, Will gets transferred to Rudge Park Comprehensive, where he befriends Simon Cooper, Neil Sutherland and Jay Cartwright. The series tackles quite a few important topics, like male bonding, sexuality and school life.
28. DCI Banks
- Cast: Stephen Tompkinson, Andrea Lowe, Caroline Catz
- Number of seasons: 5
Based on crime writer Peter Robinson's Inspector Alan Banks novels, the drama series follows a stubborn Detective Chief Inspector named Alan Banks as he works with his assistants to solve mysterious murder cases. Expect a lot of twists and turns that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Cast: Hugh Grant, Ben Whishaw, Claire Foy
- Number of seasons: 2
This fascinating comedy-drama is a dramatized retelling of the real-life scandal surrounding Jeremy Thorpe during the '70s. Based on John Preston's book of the same name, the anthology series details the events leading up to the career-ending scandal, and it's quite compelling. Expect top-notch performances from the entire cast.
30. All Creatures Great and Small
- Cast: Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Nicholas Ralph, Callum Woodhouse
- Number of seasons: 4
In this adaptation of the popular book series by Alf Wight, a young veterinarian named James Herriot gets hired by an eccentric boss to work at Skeldale House in the Yorkshire countryside. The gorgeous period costumes, picturesque scenery and charming cast will make you fall in love with this feel-good series.
31. The IT Crowd
- Cast: Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson
- Number of seasons: 5
Observing a team of IT technicians in the dingy basement of a major corporation may not sound that intriguing, but trust us when we say that this is one of the funniest shows you will ever see. Follow the misadventures of Maurice, Roy and Jen as they navigate the ups and downs of working at Reynholm Industries.
32. The Thick of It
- Cast: Peter Capaldi, Chris Langham, Rebecca Front
- Number of seasons: 5
While speaking with BBC, Armando Iannucci, the show's creator, described the series as "Yes Minister meets Larry Sanders," offering the perfect balance of humor and realism. The political satire typically addresses how the British government works, including common issues among politicians and the role of the media.
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Nakeisha Campbell
Associate Editor, News and Entertainment
- Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
- Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
- Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics
read full bio